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in support of free expression
The information presented here by the National
Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) may be freely redistributed in its entirety,
provided that readers are informed that the information was obtained from
NCAC's World Wide Web site and that credit is given to the appropriate source
of whatever information is used. Permission is expressly granted for the information
obtained to be made available for file transfer from installations offering
unrestricted anonymous file transfer on the Internet. Information found here
may not be sold for profit or incorporated in commercial documents without
the written permission from the National Coalition Against Censorship.
©Copyright 2005 NCAC
WEB DESIGN
Jeanne Criscola Criscola Design
free speech first amendment censorship
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A Selective Timeline of Censorship in the U.S.A.
1998
In NEA v. Finley the U.S. Supreme Court upholds the ?decency? standard for federal grants to the arts, which requires the NEA to take into account ?general standards of decency and respect for the diverse beliefs and values of the American public? when making grants. The majority decision holds that the ?decency? standard is only advisory, and cannot be used to censor controversial art or ideas. Terrence McNally?s play, Corpus Christi, and the Manhattan Theater Club, where it is to premier, face protest and threats from the Catholic League and others objecting to its portrayal of Christ and the apostles as gay. One of the theater?s corporate sponsors withdraws financial support. The Manhattan Theater Club announces that it is canceling the production. Under pressure from freedom of speech advocates, including playwrights, directors, and the media, the theater reverses its decision. |
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